Benefits of the artificial disc: PROS & CONS

Benefits of the artificial disc: PROS & CONS

• Retains motion of the vertebrae.
• Prevents damage to other levels.
• No bone graft required.
• Quicker recovery.
• Less painful surgery than a fusion.
• Less blood loss during surgery.

Spine surgeons may be cautious about artificial discs because:

• Wear and tear on artificial disc can require revision surgery in 10 to 20 years which can be complex.
• Disc implants only address rotational forces, not the up and down shock absorbing of the natural disc.
• Overweight people can wear out a lumbar disc prematurely.
• Newer artificial discs are in development that may be better.